Chicago Celebrates Craft Beer Week 2011 with a Full Calendar of Citywide Events.

Over 25 breweries, 30 restaurants plus the Chicago History Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art be offering a flurry of beer related activities today through Friday, May 27. Get a history lesson on dives, bootlegging, Irish and German pubs, and IPAs from the Chicago History Museum, beer pairings from participating restaurants, brewery tours, and a taste of the best craft beers--many events are free with your Chicago Beer Passport (see bottom of post).

Saturday, May 21.A pub crawl, Chicago's Greatest Dives, visits some of Chicago's best dive bars. Tour participants will learn about the history behind each drinking den visited and discuss the history behind moonshine, bathtub gin, and other historic homemade drinks. 5:00-8:00 p.m.Tickets: $30/25, (312) 642 4600 or at the Chicago History Museum.

Sunday, May 22.The Chicago History Museum Boat Tour. The Voyage of the IPA explores India Pale Ale's (IPA) deep roots and ties to ship travel. Wesley Phillips, Certified Cicerone from Windy City Distribution, will discuss the historical significance of the IPA and its place in American Craft brewing. Participants will enjoy four varying types of IPAs and brewery representatives will be on hand to answer questions while sailing the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The tour covers more than 200 years of brewing history and is presented in collaboration with Windy City Distribution. 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. Tickets, $65, $60. (312) 642 4600 or at the Chicago History Museum.

Wednesday, May 25.Goose Island Clybourn. Goose Island presents Rare Stout Night as they pull out some of their rarest special reserves. 6:00p.m. to 2:00a.m. Free with Passport, reservations not required.

Pub crawl, Booze, Bars, and Bootlegging! Prohibition Era Chicago gives participants a taste of infamous speakeasies frequented by some of Chicago's infamous gangsters like Capone, Moran, and Dillinger. The tour will discuss how prohibition came to be, some fascinating facts about the era, and how it ultimately shaped the city and its image. 6:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets: $30/25, (312) 642 4600 or at the Chicago History Museum.

Thursday, May 26.National Museum of Mexican Art. Origin of the 5 Rabbit -- An Evening of Art, Food and Beer. The first Latin microbrewery in the US, 5 Rabbit celebrates the rich and ancient lore behind Latin drinking culture and cuisine. 7:00p.m. to 11:00p.m. $35.00, Reservations required. (312) 895 9591.

Chicago History Museum pub crawl, Erin Go Beer! Irish Pubs of Chicago delves into Chicago's deep Irish roots. The tour informs participants about the city's Irish history and the history of each Irish pub visited. 6:00p.m. 9:00 p.m. Tickets: $30/25, (312) 642 4600 or at the Chicago History Museum.

Chicago History Museum Pub Crawl, Prost! German Bars of Chicago explores the heart of German Chicago and discusses German immigration and contributions to the city. The tour will visit several of Chicago's best bierstubes and learn about the history of each saloon. 6:00p.m. 9:00 p.m. Tickets: $30/25, (312) 642 4600 or at the Chicago History Museum.

Chicago Beer Passport.Passports are available for $10 each online. They are also available from the Chicago History Museum, the UPS Store: North Center, and at each of the featured events. For a full schedule of events go to Chicago Craft Beer Week.